Chose to believe the weather forecast for less than ideal weather by riding Phil’s again. Temp was just above freezing to minimize any freeze thaw mud. Trails were stellar again and except for the 2 bikes ahead of me by the tracks they left, I was all alone. Rain and snow wetted the dust making the trails even faster. I tried to ride a shorter loop which turned out to be longer than I intended but shorter than yesterday. Phil’s is fun for pedaling w/ minor tech stuff mixed in.
Charlie told me about the county fairground across the highway. I watched mucho horse carrying rigs pulling into the parking lot. I finished my ride then drove over to check it out. Charlie said that there are showers somewhere. I walked into what turned out to be a big indoor arena for horse activities. What was going on was barrel racing. I found the mens room and found a shower stall that ran on quarters. I turned on the sink faucet and felt hot water. Great a cheap shower. the quarter must have bought 10 mins. Afterwards I watched a few barrel racers and talked w/ an arena hand. They use a tractor pulled tiller to churn up the ruts the horses make at the barrels after every 5 racers. There is a seniors division for racers over 55 which I don’t understand as the horse does all the work, why would a 55 yo racer be special? Maybe a 55 year old horse.
I stopped at the Main st brew pub for a beer and watched some pro football. Had enough. Drove back out to airport parking lot.
Forecast for today was for 60% rain & snow. I chose to go hiking out @ Sand Canyon where I rode last year. I would rather hike in the precipitation than ride. I also wanted to look around. Conditions would be described as “raw”, no rain or snow, that was held up by a nearby peak. Walking allowed me see additional ancient ones’ rock structures underneath the eroded sandstone clefts. The trail dropped into a wash that became the trail. I hiked up aways until the uphill tread straight up the steep bank to exit the wash, and snow started falling, both were omens to turn around. I put on my rain jacket that caused to snow to quit and the sun to reappear. I hiked for just under 3 hours nonstop. My body would need to sport specific condition for hiking to be enjoyable.
Drove back to airport.
My license tabs have not arrived in Fruita yet, 9 days from Seattle. I called license bureau to learn that replacement tabs are not issued until they are 3 weeks late. My tabs expire on this Wed. When the tabs arrive in Fruita they will be forwarded to Cortez. I will travel thru Cortez on my path to Hurkin.
Tomorrow I am heading to Durango. Temps are in the teens this week.
I log when & how much propane I buy. W/ the heater running more I burn about 1 gallon per day.